The Plagues, Part 2

OPEN

What’s the greatest physical discomfort you’ve ever endured? What did you learn from it?

REFLECT

During the eighth and ninth plagues, Pharaoh’s verbal response takes an interesting turn. Look back at 9:27 and 10:16. Discuss his verbal response in light of his continued refusal to let the Israelites go. What is the difference between confession and repentance?

Compare Moses’ words in 11:8 to God’s words back in 7:1. How has Moses’ confidence in God grown, even as Pharaoh’s heart has hardened?

Note Moses’ disposition at the end of 11:8. Why do you think this detail is included? How does this reveal his disposition toward God? Toward the Egyptian people, who acknowledge his authority (11:3)? Toward their stubborn ruler, Pharaoh?

APPLY

Though we may not want to admit it, we often employ bargaining tactics with God, just as Pharaoh did. When are we most likely to bargain instead of repent? What faulty thinking about ourselves and our God does bargaining reveal?

Why did the Egyptian people react differently to Moses than Pharaoh did? How does pride keep us from recognizing the activity of God in our lives, even when others around us are seeing it? How is pride currently blinding you to God’s will in your life?

CLOSE

What attribute of God did you see in this week’s passage that particularly struck you? How should it change the way you pray, think, speak or act this week?

IDEAS FOR FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP

TIME

Set aside a time this week for your household to read Exodus 9:13-11:10. Then go through these questions together:

// Which of the plagues would’ve been the grossest/scariest to you?

// If someone said to you, “God seems mean,” what would you say to them?

// How do the plagues show God’s glory, that He is worthy of our worship?

// How can your family worship God together more/better?

MOMENTS

Leverage the times where you face something significant in current events, the weather or creation to remind your family that God is glorious—God shows His greatness and worth—and that He is worthy—only God deserves all glory.